Dogs and cats can suffer from electrical rhythm disturbances of the heart (just like people), in which the heart beats too slowly or stops intermittently (see www.heartydog.co.uk). In such cases a pacemaker can maintain the heart rate and so allow your pet to run and play as usual. A pacemaker maintains the heart rate (and thus circulation) by stimulating the heart to contract (pacing) when the heart’s own electrical activity fails to do so.

In dogs the pacemaker is inserted under the skin at the back of the neck. After hair re-growth it is usually barely noticeable. The type of pacemaker required depends upon the nature of the heart problem and the requirements of the individual patient. For example, an animal in which the heart intermittently stops would need a pacemaker that just stimulates the heart during those times (this is called ‘demand’ pacing). An animal with heart block would need a pacemaker that stimulates the heart most of the time and can increase the heart rate during exercise.

Martin Referrals is one of the few specialist centres in the UK to regularly perform pacemaker implantation. Due to our considerable experience (12 – 18 dogs each year) we have a high success rate and the long-term outcome is usually good.

Before recommending pacemaker implantation for your pet, our cardiologist will check the medical history provided by the primary vet (including blood results, ECG and chest x-rays). He will also perform a thorough clinical examination and cardiac ultrasound scan to confirm that pacemaker implantation is appropriate and there are no unexpected contraindications.

Your pet will return home 3-5 days following surgery with exercise restriction for a month.

Some important requirements for successful pacemaker implants

• Pacemaker implantation by a cardiologist experienced in the procedure.
• In our opinion, the use of a temporary pacing system to maintain a stable heartbeat prior to inducing anaesthesia. This greatly reduces the anaesthetic risk.
• In our opinion, the use of a new, rather than a used lead that connects the pacemaker to the heart.
• Optimising the pacemaker settings for each individual patient. This is done 3-4 months after surgery to maximise pacing efficiency and battery life.
• Annual check of the pacemaker to check for any developments or changes in heart rhythm as well as pacemaker function and battery depletion.